This is a very unusual film about someone who has chosen to live in a remote jungle on the island of Maui in Hawaii, living out his understanding of Buddhism in a natural environment.
Michael Behrens was something of a mathematics prodigy, who studied and made contributions in his field up and till the age of 29 when he decided to take a break and went to Hawaii for the first time.
At some point he has also studied under a Tibetan lama and most of his understanding of Buddhism stems from this. He lives basically as a hermit in a very remote setting, that he constantly has to keep clear, where he has built himself a house, and has a lovely garden.
The film includes extracts from interviews with Michael in which he talks about how his understanding of mathematics, quantum theory and emptiness shape the way he sees the world, and how he puts that understanding into practice.
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Lovely film. I felt very connected to the thoughts Michael shared and his connection with the land that brings so much peace and joy
Lovely and inspiring. So glad I have found your site!
I loved the film. I can relate completely to Michael’s way of life. His life would suit me just fine.
Deborah Shaw Hickerson
Intriguing indeed. As a scientist and ecumenical person of faith, much deeply resonates here. Would love to talk story with Michael. His way “seeing” belies a special kind of humanity that we often call savant. In Michael’s case brilliant and at the same time deeply sensitive to the life of the cosmos. Not surprised that left society to live as he does.
Michael embodies the liberation many of us seek. He conveys that which is lost after childhood in a way that stirs one’s soul to go reclaim it. Such a blessing is Michael and this film.
It is a nice human bieng, I don’t know if I can call him enlightened, but for true a close to a real human bieng.
Glad I could watch the movie and know about my new preferred human bieng.
Thanks for share.
I makes me sure that I am not alone in my belives that we can think about a new way of live with equality, liberty and fraternity for all human biengs.
Wich I could have this karma.
Paulo
I was in Bodhgaya, India in December 1973 to attend the first Kalachakra Initiation. I also was able to take the Chenrezi Initiation from Kalu Rinpoche.
Later, in February I took my first of eventually many Vipassana courses with S.N. Goenka.
I enjoyed your video. I have focussed my attention on anicca, the arising and passing away trillions of times per second with the equanimity and the absolute conviciton of the illusion of I, me, mine.
I now live in Thailand.
Hello, watching this I thought wait a minute I know him, I lived on Maui from late 70s to early 90s. I would love to be able to say hello, is that possible?
Very sorry about the fires and loss of life in Maui. Is Michael Behrens safe?
Exactly why I came to this space. I hope he and his gorgeous mandala of a home and garden are safe.
He lives on a completely different part of the island nowhere close to the fires.
Thank you very much for the information Danielle.
Thank you for your response. I also checked the list of not found and didn;t see his name on the list. May he keep living beautifully and may all the affected be healed.
Hi Danielle,
I am moved to connect with Michael. Do you have any contact for him?
Blessings,
Melissa
I too am a great admirer of Michael and would like to know if he is safe,may he be safe and all sentient beings be well and free from suffering 🙏
A Beautyful and consoling film and a dep beautyful soul. I (will ) watch this film over and over for inspiration.
I hope Michael is safe.
Metta
Claudia
I pray that Michael is safe. I had a baby boy with Warren Chase, an old friemd of Michael. Michael came to the UCLA hospital to keep Warren company and brought him some icecream while I was in labor. We named our son Seth Michael Chase after Michael. Warren has now passed. Never forgot Michael.
What a being of grace.
One who lives a poetic existence in a seeming heaven realm.
I too hope none of the flames of destruction came upon this mindfully tended sanctuary he resides with in harmony.
I have rarely witnessed a human so blessed and wise.
What a mystical perch to observe the Golden Mean as it lives and breathes on this wonderous planet.
Inspired to be silent, inspired to find a hidden corner of earth to emulate some facet of his groove, with my own machete…
In awe, hoping all is well for him.
This intrigued me last year and now it came back to me. I am concerned….
Are Michael and his area safe? It is a loss unimaginable in Maui. My tears are from my heart. Thank you for this wondrous imagery and dialogue. Much appreciate your being.
🪷🙏🪷 Nameste
Such a beautiful documentary!
Michael’s compassion for humanity as well as his connection to nature is so touching.
He truly lives Buddhas teachings.
A timely reminder of what really matters. No greater joy than to live in a hand-built house in the jungle, create a beautiful garden and then go play with the dolphins. When I see what humans are doing to the natural world and the innocent beings we share it with, I just want to cry with despair.
From my heart and soul, thank you.
Loved the film and Michael’s energy! I also had a similar experience at sea during a big swell in Venezuela at a surfing beach called Los Caracas…I remember fear led to acceptance and then to just being in the moment which in the end saved my Life.
Karmapa chenno!
For all of those that liked to know if Michael is safe, here is the latest update from him.
I am well if a bit old. Doing lots of yoga and walking. I enjoy the daily comments on the film. – Love Michael.
https://youtu.be/X_XVisCvUBs?si=6CQW6C5JlOD-uRb0
I knew Michael in 1970. I was a student at Boston University. He was a professor at Cal Berkeley. We spent February, 1971 together in Berkeley.